Post-tax season, with thoughts of personal finances fresh in your mind, is a very good time to take a serious run at moving toward a state of financial independence.

What is financial independence? In general it’s freedom from debt, abiding by a system that steadily grows your savings, and having a cash reserve equal to at least 3 months of living expenses.

How do you get there? The concept is simple…Stop living beyond your means! That’s easier said than done.

When it comes to controlling spending, too many of us are careful with the nickels and dimes but let the big dollars fly out the window without a second thought. Clipping coupons, bringing a lunch to work, etc. are really good savings habits. But a month’s worth of those activities can be blown out the water by an unbudgeted dinner out or an impulsive tech purchase.

I encourage everyone to do a reality check—calculate your net worth: assets minus debts. Assets are everything you own—savings and checking accounts, retirement accounts, equity in your home and auto, and so on. If assets minus debts equals a negative number, you’re living beyond your means.

To get an idea of what your “means” are, try this: Live for one month without credit—only use cash and checks.

Peer pressure and self-image can drive us to live beyond our means. If your circle of friends influences you to spend more than you should, maybe it’s time to create some separation. Some of us feel the need to project a high-spending image. All I can say is do some soul-searching about your long-term priorities—make the right decisions for your future and your family.